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LOT 0155
Anglo-Norman Bronze Dragon Head Finial
MID-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 7/8 in. (37.8 grams, 48 mm).
Formed with an arched D-section neck and triangular base, row of dorsal spines, pricked ears with notched rims, scooped muzzle with knop finial, open mouth with protruding tongue and teeth.
Provenance‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.203519.
Cf. figure of a dragon attacking a knight in the decorated initial of Flavius Josephus's Jewish Antiquities, reproduced in Zarnecki, G., Holt, J. & Holland, T., English Romanesque Art 1066-1200, London, 1984, p.52; figures on the base of the Gloucester candlestick, p.247, same volume.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Medieval Iron Caltrop Group
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Most with the usual four spikes, with arrow-shaped heads. 161 grams total, 45-65 mm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Caltrops were scattered on battlefields in an effort to stop or slow advancing enemy cavalry or foot soldiers; regardless of how a caltrop lands, one spike is always facing upwards. -
Medieval Gilt Bronze Horse Mount
14th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising an openwork body, the horse advancing right on a groundline. 6.4 grams, 38 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Medieval to Post Medieval 'Thames' Bronze Ring Group
15th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1
Composed of rings of various styles and sizes, including an example with a decoratively twisted wire body; exteriors displaying geometric ornament; double bezels with cells for inlays; together with plain and other types. 30.5 grams total, 13-24 mm
Found Thames foreshore spoil, 1980s.
